Dial: enamelCalibre: 17''' pendant winding cylinder, diamond end-stoneCase: yellow gold, ruby and seed pearl-set, glass display backSize: 50 mm diameterSigned: movement

Movement running at the time of cataloguing. The start/stop functioning. Case in good condition considering age and use. Some light scratches to the back. The dial in good coverall condition, some minor chips around the arbour and some repair to the outermost edge of the dial, hidden by the bezel. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The present lot is particularly interesting due to the mechanism that winds the movement. The system works by depressing the pendant of the watch just as one would a repeating watch of this kind. A similar system is known to have been employed during the same period in English watches an example of which were sold in these rooms by the maker Viner & Co., and though it differed slightly there is a patent for this particular set up dated as early as 1793. Additionally to this, beneath the bezel the user is able, via a slide, to stop the centre seconds hand thus allowing the timing of events, much like a chronograph. The design and decoration is typical for a watch made for the Chinese market, and the red glass back elevates the watch's aesthetic allowing the user to enjoy the movement's beautifully pierced and engraved cock, foot and plate. The use of this red glass is incredibly rare for this period and was very sought after in the Orient.

Pierre Jaquet Droz (1721-1790) was an outstanding watchmaker from Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His reputation was impeccable and he is credited for making the first singing bird boxes. His company specialized in making watches for the Far East and in order to reach the Chinese market, he opened an office in London in 1783 that facilitated the export to the Orient.

The present watch is of exceptional museum quality and is really a beautiful watch from this period.